Updated October 2026
Interested in engineering but not sure what engineers actually do? An engineering internship can give you a chance to explore the field outside the classroom and see how engineers approach real problems. Depending on the program, you might work on a design project, help with research, build or test a prototype, analyze data, or learn how engineers use different tools and technologies. It can also help you discover which areas of engineering interest you before you start thinking about college and future careers.
TL;DR
This roundup covers 15 engineering internships for high schoolers, spanning government/national lab programs, university research programs, and remote mentorships. Program length ranges from six to sixteen weeks, with most running between June and August. Depending on the program, you might run experiments, analyze data, build or test a prototype, or work on a research project with a mentor. Programs vary widely in selectivity, cost, and stipend availability, so it is worth comparing eligibility requirements, time commitment, and location before you apply.
What would you actually do in an engineering internship?
Engineering internships for high school students can involve a range of activities depending on the program. You might assist with an ongoing project, work with a mentor, conduct research, help build or test a prototype, or learn how engineers use software and other tools. Some programs are more research-focused, while others give you opportunities to work on hands-on design or team projects. The goal is usually to introduce you to how engineering concepts are applied to real problems rather than expect you to already have advanced engineering skills.
Which areas of engineering can you explore?
Depending on the internship, you could explore mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, biomedical, chemical, environmental, or computer engineering. Some programs may also combine engineering with areas such as robotics, materials science, energy, or computer science. Trying out different areas can help you understand what kind of engineering work interests you most.
How do you choose the right internship?
The right internship will depend on your interests, grade level, location, schedule, and the type of experience you want. You can look at the engineering areas covered by each program and whether the activities match what you want to explore. Start with this guide on setting goals for your internship! You should also check the program's cost, dates, eligibility requirements, time commitment, and whether you need any previous coursework or technical experience. Comparing these details can help you narrow down the options and find an internship that fits your interests and circumstances. If you are looking for fully remote options, check out online engineering internships for high school students.
To help you assess the available options, we have compiled a list of 15 great engineering internships for high school students!
If you are also looking for structured learning experiences, check out our list of engineering programs. You can also explore our selection of online engineering internships if you are looking for remote options!
Compare your options
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost |
Best for |
|
Federal and national lab programs |
SEAP, AFRL Scholars, NIST SHIP, INL Internship, AEOP, Internships at Sandia National Labs, NASA/UT Austin SEES |
Free, often with stipends (roughly $500/week to $4,500 total) |
Students who want paid, hands-on research experience at a government or defense-affiliated lab, and who meet U.S. citizenship/residency requirements |
|
University-based programs |
Clark Scholars (Texas Tech), RSI (MIT), NYU ARISE, Princeton LLP, Columbia ENG, Simons Summer Research (Stony Brook) |
Free to ~$2,450 (application fees or housing costs may apply); some offer stipends |
Academically motivated juniors/seniors looking for a mentored, campus-based research experience, often highly selective |
|
Virtual mentorship programs |
Free to a small registration/project fee; some paid opportunities up to $500 |
Students who want a flexible or remote experience, exposure to startup or industry culture, and one-on-one mentorship; SPARK also offers in-person opportunities. |
15 Great Engineering Internships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for virtual internship experiences and firsthand exposure to startup culture!
2. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy laboratories (multiple sites nationwide)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend for first-time participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; term can be extended to 10 weeks.
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens; some labs accept permanent residents and dual citizens (check individual lab pages for eligibility here)
SEAP places high school students in Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories to conduct real Naval research for 8 to 10 weeks during the summer. At SEAP, you will explore naval research work, including engineering-focused project work, while working alongside scientists and engineers in an advanced lab setting. You will contribute to research projects, connect with researchers, and learn about careers in naval research and engineering. The program will also let you shadow STEM professionals and attend seminars, meetings, and presentations alongside peers and scientists.
Who it’s best for: High schoolers in the U.S. looking for a paid apprenticeship focused on naval STEM research.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple Air Force research sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is typically $506.80/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; exact details not publicly available
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically a minimum commitment of 8 weeks is required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the spring, summer, or fall.
Application deadline: Summer: January 10 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The ARFL Scholars Program is a paid internship that offers high school and college students research-oriented work experiences at federal facilities. You will join an active research project team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning various disciplines, including engineering. You will work in a lab setting under the supervision of scientists and engineers, learn about Air Force research and development, and explore STEM career paths over 8 weeks or more. You may analyze real experimental data, design experiments, or document research findings. You can also return to the program in subsequent years to continue engaging in STEM research.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in Air Force research and development work and seeking a credible paid internship experience.
4. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12 students/year
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and at least 17 by the start date
Run for a small cohort of high schoolers every year, the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week immersive research experience that pairs students with Texas Tech faculty to work on original research projects. You will conduct one-on-one research in one of the available STEM fields, with placements often spanning engineering-focused projects. The experience will extend beyond the lab through weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips that will introduce you to research and career pathways. Social activities will also be part of the experience to help you connect with peers. The experience will conclude with the submission of a formal research report, helping you practice documenting scientific findings.
Who it’s best for: Students seeking a competitive, mentored research experience on a university campus.
5. Research Science Institute (RSI) @ MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $75 non-refundable application fee (waivers available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~3 – 5% acceptance rate; cohort of ~100 students/year
Dates: June 28 – August 8
Application deadline: December 10 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors; RSI recommends applicants meet a few academic requirements.
RSI is a selective summer STEM program that lets high school students engage in research at MIT. You will begin with one week of seminars learning about research in STEM and the humanities. Over the next five weeks, you will work on a research project, which can focus on an engineering topic, alongside a mentor and spend time in MIT labs. In the final week, you will deliver formal oral and written presentations discussing your research findings. The experience will include opportunities to connect with scientists and go on field trips to science and tech facilities.
Who it’s best for: Academically motivated 11th graders who want to experience a competitive admission process and spend summer conducting research at MIT.
6. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10.4% acceptance rate; 35 students in the last cohort
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0+; applicants must be U.S. citizens living within 50 miles of either of the NIST campuses.
NIST is home to several labs that host high school student interns during the summer through SHIP, a seven-week program. As a SHIP participant, you will join one of NIST’s laboratories, with opportunities spanning STEM areas, including engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, machine learning, and cryptography. Your daily schedule will include running experiments, working with research data, engaging in and documenting lab work, or assisting with a technical investigation through other placement-specific tasks. At the end of seven weeks, you will showcase your work as a poster.
Who it’s best for: Students near NIST campuses in Maryland or Colorado who are interested in getting firsthand exposure to the work of a government agency.
7. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact details not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who live and attend school in NYC
ARISE is a 10-week research program that offers high schoolers lab training and the chance to work on research projects in New York University labs. In the first four weeks, you will participate in training sessions to learn about lab safety, college writing, and research skills. During the next six weeks, you will contribute to research in an NYU lab, with placements spanning STEM fields, including engineering. You will spend the summer gaining about 150 hours of lab experience, engaging in seminars, and working on your research presentation, which you will deliver at the end of 10 weeks. The program will also offer support focused on college applications and access to the ARISE alumni research network.
Who it’s best for: NYC high school students seeking paid research experience and lab training within the same program.
If you live outside NYC or are looking for flexible opportunities, consider Ladder Internships, which pair you with startups to work on real projects in an entirely remote format.
8. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; some labs may offer a stipend
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective; 1–2 students/lab selected out of ~3,500 applications
Dates: Five to six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, enrolled in a high school, U.S. citizens, and able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in New Jersey
Princeton’s LLP is a selective full-time, in-person summer internship, where you will work with faculty and research staff on real projects in the sciences and engineering. The project focus and tasks vary by placement, but typically involve lab work, data analysis, modeling, and scientific writing. You will follow a schedule set by your assigned Princeton lab, complete safety training before starting placement-specific work, and adhere to university policies. At the end of LLP, you will submit a two-page research summary describing your research work.
Who it’s best for: New Jersey students looking for credible, free lab experience in a university campus environment.
9. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internships
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 to 16 weeks; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Full-time students attending accredited high schools or colleges with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; international students at accredited U.S. institutions must have valid Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.
An internship at INL can let you explore real-world work within a national laboratory in areas like materials science, civil, electrical/chemical engineering, cybersecurity, clean energy technology, information management, and advanced transportation technology. You can check out all the internship categories here. You will spend most of your time working on laboratory projects and the rest on seminars, lab tours, and networking. You may also work closely with mentors, who can guide you throughout the experience. You will conclude your internship with a final project presentation.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid internship at a national lab and willing to commute to INL in Idaho.
10. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships
Location: Multiple research sites across the country
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June – August; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; specific roles can have additional criteria
AEOP places high school interns at U.S. Army research facilities and university labs to work with scientists or engineers on research tied to Army-sponsored science and tech. As an intern, you will work directly under the supervision of a scientist or engineer, contributing to active research projects. You may help run experiments, collect data, and conduct lab work. The program will also offer access to formal mentorship from a STEM professional, workshops and sessions via the AEOP Learning Hub, and opportunities to connect with the broader program network.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM research who are looking for credible, lab-based internship experience.
11. Columbia University’s Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)
Location: Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 13
Application deadline: FoR track: January 16 | CS3 track: March 1
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors) attending NYC schools who are legally allowed to work in NYC with prior work or volunteer experience
ENG is a six-week paid summer internship run by Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. You can choose from two engineering tracks: Foundations of Research (FoR) and Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3). In the FoR track, you will work closely with Columbia Engineering faculty and researchers on projects in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering. In the CS3 track, you will work on AI tools, coding, computer vision, and urban tech with a focus on how technology affects community life. Both tracks will offer science communication training, research skills workshops, college-prep sessions, and mentorship from graduate students and faculty. Depending on the chosen track, you may also have the opportunity to present your work to city officials or contribute to a published research paper.
Who it’s best for: NYC high school juniors looking for paid hands-on engineering experiences.
12. Internships @ Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; competitive hourly pay and benefits available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Year-round and summer internships (10 to 12 weeks) available
Application deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Students who are 16+ and enrolled full-time at accredited high schools, colleges, or universities; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for undergraduate and high school students applying for clerical or labor-based positions and 3.0 for undergraduate and high school students applying for R&D, technical, or business positions is required
Sandia National Laboratories’ internships and co-op programs are designed for students interested in securing paid research and technical work opportunities. At Sandia’s labs, you will contribute to projects that support national security, engineering, energy, cybersecurity, and advanced scientific research. Depending on your placement, you will work with researchers, engineers, or other professionals on mission-driven projects while receiving guidance throughout the experience. In addition to the assigned project work, you may get access to networking events, leadership activities, employee resource groups, and professional development programs that can help you build essential workplace skills and explore careers in STEM.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in hands-on paid lab experiences and willing to work in Sandia’s facilities in New Mexico or California.
13. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University campus, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No tuition ($2,450 housing costs apply for residential students); stipend available
Acceptance rate: <5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program is a selective experience for high school students interested in contributing to research in science, math, or engineering. You will work alongside Stony Brook faculty mentors within a research group on real projects in university laboratories. Placements span STEM areas, including chemistry and biochemistry. Your daily work may involve tasks like experimentation, running simulations, or analyzing datasets, depending on the focus area. The schedule will include lectures and workshops that will introduce you to broader STEM concepts and research basics. Your work will conclude with the completion of a written abstract and a presentation at the closing research symposium.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in engaging in research on a university campus and willing to spend the summer in Stony Brook, NY.
14. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: Remote or in-person in the Greater Seattle area, WA; other sites may also be available
Cost/Stipend: Small registration fee and project costs may be applicable; paid (up to $500 stipend) and unpaid opportunities are both available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the number varies by project
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks between June and August
Application deadline: Typically, April/May
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
SPARK SMP connects high school students to project teams led by mentors who are professionals from academia, industry, or research. You will spend a few weeks in the summer working on real projects in marketing, business, data science, robotics, AI, machine learning, or other STEM or business areas, depending on your mentor. You may work on research-focused tasks while learning how collaborative environments function. Mentors will outline the project scope, overall expectations, and deliverables at the start of the experience. You will learn about real workflows and problem-solving, and may even access professional development sessions. The experience may wrap up with a formal presentation of project outcomes to peers and mentors.
Who it’s best for: Students seeking mentored work experiences and opportunities to collaborate with professionals on real projects.
15. NASA and UT Austin SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Location: Virtual + University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free for virtual participants | $2,000 for on-site participants; full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10.75 acceptance rate in the past
Dates: Remote learning: May 15 – July 1; On-site internship: July 5 – 18; Virtual project: June – July 21; Virtual Science Symposium: July 20 – 21
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 or 11, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens
The University of Texas Center for Space Research's STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program offers high schoolers the chance to contribute to NASA-supported research and work alongside scientists, engineers, and industry professionals. You will work on NASA mission-driven projects in areas like aerospace engineering, Earth science, astronomy, planetary science, remote sensing, and geospatial tech while developing skills in engineering design, data analysis, and science communication. The experience will begin with a virtual learning phase and culminate in a complete remote project or a two-week residential experience at UT Austin, where you can collaborate with mentors and explore campus facilities. At the end, you will present your work at a virtual symposium.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in space science, NASA research, and hands-on mentored project work.
What skills can you build as an engineering intern?
An engineering internship can help you practice both technical and general problem-solving skills. Depending on the program, you may learn about design, prototyping, data analysis, programming, laboratory techniques, or engineering software. You may also work on communication, teamwork, project planning, and presenting your ideas. These experiences can help you understand how engineers combine math and science with creativity and practical problem-solving.
Can engineering internships help with college applications?
An engineering internship can give you a way to explore your interest in engineering before college and learn more about the field firsthand. Here’s how you can use your internship experience to boost your applications:
Move beyond the standard curriculum: An internship is a concrete way to explore an academic interest outside your regular coursework. The experience can help you understand what working in a technical field is actually like and whether you enjoy research, design, or lab work.
Test interests before college: You can use what you learn from the experience to make more informed decisions about the subjects, engineering majors, and research areas you may want to explore in college.
Add skills and tangible experiences to your profile: When applying to colleges, you can highlight your responsibilities during the internship, the skills you gained, and the project or output you completed. Focus on what you actually did and learned rather than simply listing the internship to help your application stand out.
The internship itself is only one part of your application. Being able to explain what you did, what you learned, and why the experience mattered to you can make it easier to connect the experience to your broader academic interests. To get additional support for your application prep, check out how you can use your internship to boost college applications.
What students often wonder about these engineering internships
1. Do I need prior engineering coursework to apply for an internship?
Not necessarily. Requirements vary by program, and some of these engineering internships are designed to introduce you to the field rather than expect advanced technical knowledge. However, certain programs may ask for previous coursework, technical experience, or specific academic preparation. Before applying, check each program’s eligibility requirements to see whether you need coursework in subjects such as math, physics, computer science, or engineering.
2. What do these internships typically end with?
Nearly all of them wrap up with some kind of final deliverable, such as a presentation, a poster session, a written report or abstract, or in some cases a formal symposium. This is a common feature in most programs on this list.
3. Are these internships paid?
The availability of a stipend varies by program. Some federal options come with weekly stipends of upto $506.80 or hourly wages, while others don't offer stipends by default. A few sit in between with a flat stipend, from $750 – $4,500.
4. Do I have to relocate or travel for these internships?
Not always. Most university and national lab programs are in person and may require proof of local housing or transportation. However, Ladder Internships is a flexible option you can consider if you are looking for a fully virtual experience.